11/20/2010

Pumpkin Pie Marshmallows

The weather here has been just beautiful lately. Crisp, cool and perfect! So perfect, it was time to roll out the fire pit and make some s'mores. Being so close to Thanksgiving, I thought I would put a spin on the traditional s'more. I searched and quickly came across a pumpkin marshmallow recipe. It was very similar to my vanilla one, but had the addition of pumpkin puree, spices, and orange food coloring. I changed the spices according to my own taste and left out the food coloring because I wanted them to look natural-- not neon. Paired with my homemade graham crackers and some white chocolate (and a little spread of caramel I had in the fridge)-- yum! Move over pumpkin pie. I think we have a new tradition after our Thanksgiving meal!

Do not be intimidated by making your own marshmallows. They are fairly simple, but you do need a candy thermometer and a stand mixer. In the pumpkin marshmallow recipe, I found that dusting them with cornstarch in addition to powdered sugar is essential due to the extra moisture from the pumpkin puree. And once you make your own marshmallows you'll understand why it's worth it. They are far superior in taste and texture than the ones at the store.

*Update- please see this post about removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree.

Combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch non metal baking pan with parchment paper, spray lightly with non-stick spray and dust with 1/3 of the sugar/starch mixture. Set the pan aside and reserve the remaining sugar/starch mixture.

Place 1/2 cup of the cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and stir to distribute. Let the gelatin dissolve for at least 5 minutes.

Place the reaming 1/2 cup water, the corn syrup, and the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Increase the heat to medium-high and insert a candy thermometer. Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it reaches 240 degrees on the thermometer, about 8 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low and carefully pour in the hot syrup. Once all the syrup is added, turn the mixer to high and whip for 12- 15 minutes or until it is stiff and shiny.

While the marshmallow is whipping, combine the pumpkin puree with the spices and vanilla. When the marshmallow is ready fold in the pumpkin mixture and stir until well-mixed and there are no visible pumpkin streaks remaining.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Dust with 1/3 of the sugar/starch mixture and let is sit uncovered for at least 8 hours preferably overnight.

Turn the marshmallows onto the cutting board and cut into 1 1/2-inch squares using a pizza wheel. Dust the sides with the remaining sugar/starch mixture. Store in a container with the lid slightly ajar for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

In a food processor, mix together the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 30 seconds or so. Add the honey, molasses, water, and vanilla. Mix until the dough starts to come together in a ball, another 30 seconds. Scrape dough out of the mixer.

Between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper, roll the dough ½-¼ -inch thick. Chill for at least 1 hour, until firm

.

Preheat oven to 350º F. Retrieve the dough from the refrigerator and roll it a bit more to a 1/8-inch thick. With a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or fluted pastry wheel, cut into 2-inch squares. Arrange the crackers on parchment lined baking sheets. With a fork, prick 3 times in each cracker.

Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan. Enjoy!

I'm definately making these marshmellows! I'm actually super psyched about it, thanks so much for sharing!Your photography is absolutely gorgeous, I've been looking at your blog the majority of the morning!Jess : )

Pumpkin S'mores!? At first, I was all, Are you for REAL?, then I was all, I have to feature these on my big fall pumpkin post!! http://www.at-altitude.com/35-amazing-pumpkin-recipes-for-fall/. Oh and don't even get me started on that popcorn shrimp you just posted- looks amazing!